Latest KFF Health News Stories
Obamacare Still Has “Back-End Issues”
While consumers may experience easier navigation, insurers are likely to have continuing difficulties, which could result in double-billing and other problems.
Undocumented Immigrant Not Allowed To Buy Health Insurance Through Marketplace
Even though Jessica Bravo, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, isn’t allowed to buy coverage under the Affordable Care Act, she works as a health outreach worker to educate people about the new health law. Until a few months ago, the 19-year-old Costa Mesa resident didn’t know coverage was a possibility for her as well.
For Families With Mixed Immigration Status, Health Insurance Is A Puzzle
A young outreach worker for Obamacare is delighted to be eligible for coverage but worries about family members with no such luck.
Lack Of Understanding About Insurance Could Lead To Poor Choices
A recent poll points out that while three-quarters of Americans say they are confident about understanding their health coverage options, only 20 percent could calculate what they owed for a routine doctor’s appointment.
Benefits ‘Essential’ In N.J. But Not In Pa.
The administration gave states leeway to define the benefits that must be covered by health plans sold through government exchanges, and Pennsylvania’s are a lot ‘stingier’ than those in some other states.
Hepatitis C Patients May Not Qualify For Pricey Drugs Unless Illness Is Advanced
Many insurers are restricting access to new drugs that promise higher cure rates because the price tags can run $95,000 or more.
Forget Ebola And Get A Free Flu Shot
Under the health law, insurers cover the immunizations with no out-of-pocket costs to consumers.
Uninsured Still Know Little About Health Law As 2nd Enrollment Period Draws Near
Almost nine of 10 uninsured Americans – the group most likely to benefit — don’t know that the law’s second open enrollment period begins Nov. 15, according to a poll released Tuesday.
Even With Insurance, Language Barriers Could Undermine Asian Americans’ Access To Care
If people who face English language challenges don’t understand their coverage, maneuvering the health care system could prove unwieldy.
Modest Premium Hikes, Higher Consumer Costs Likely For Job-Based Plans
As many companies provide employees with their coverage details this fall, spousal surcharges and health savings accounts on the rise.
Got Insurance? You Still May Pay A Steep Price For Prescriptions
These high-priced medications are often shifted to the top tiers of drug plans, so consumers dealing with cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV and other complicated diseases can end up paying thousands of dollars for their prescriptions.
Long-Acting Contraceptives Still Often Not Free For Women
The health law called for all FDA-approved birth control methods to be completely covered by insurance, but research suggests that many women still pay for some of the costs for options such as IUDs and injectable contraceptives.
Hidden Costs For ‘Fully Covered’ Care Can Slam Patients’ Wallets
In North Carolina and elsewhere, hidden costs have popped up on “fully covered” services ranging from contraception to cancer screening to annual checkups, and it’s leaving a growing number of people to cover thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Price Tags On Health Care? Only In Massachusetts
Under a new state law, Massachusetts insurers have to post how much tests and procedures cost at different providers in a consumer-friendly way.
For Formerly Obese, Stigma Remains Even After Weight Is Lost
People who have lost significant weight are uneasy about how much to reveal in online dating profiles, and research shows they have good reason to be.
Turning 65? 9 Tips For Signing Up For Medicare
A consumer reporter shares what she learned when getting ready to join the federal health plan for seniors.
How Will Taxes Be Reconciled With Premium Subsidies?
KHN consumer columnist Michelle Andrews examines how subsidies for health insurance can be divvied up among family members choosing separate plans and how a miscalculation of the premium will be handled on your taxes.
Poll: Californians Support Health Coverage For Undocumented Immigrants
This story is part of a partnership that includes KQED, NPR and Kaiser Health News. It can be republished for free. (details) A majority of the state’s voters support extending current health insurance programs to all low-income Californians, including undocumented immigrants, according to a new statewide poll released today. The poll was commissioned by The California Endowment, […]
Obamacare Enrollment: Second Year An Even Tougher Challenge
States and the federal government aim to renew coverage for 15.3 million already signed up on exchanges and Medicaid — and enroll about 10 million more who are currently uninsured.
Canceled Health Plans: Round Two
Those who held onto plans that didn’t comply with the health law may have to choose new ones for 2015, and they could cost more.
